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Apprentice Chef Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

Midlothian, VA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Desirable - Completing an apprenticeship or culinary training program. * Desirable - A degree or diploma in culinary arts, culinary management, or a related field. Experience: * A lead chef should ...

Sous Chef

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

Familiarizes newly hired chefs and cooks with practices of kitchen and oversees training of cook apprentices * Establishes and enforces nutrition and sanitation standards for restaurant * Achieves ...

Executive Chef

Ashburn, VA

$73K - $100K/yr

Familiarizes newly hired chefs and cooks with practices of kitchen and oversees training of cook apprentices * Establishes and enforces nutrition and sanitation standards for restaurant * Achieves ...

Executive Chef

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$73K - $100K/yr

Familiarizes newly hired chefs and cooks with practices of kitchen and oversees training of cook apprentices * Establishes and enforces nutrition and sanitation standards for restaurant * Achieves ...

Sous Chef

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

Familiarizes newly hired chefs and cooks with practices of kitchen and oversees training of cook apprentices * Establishes and enforces nutrition and sanitation standards for restaurant * Achieves ...

... apprenticeship, culinary school, or equivalent. Previous supervisory experience required and 5 years' experience as Chef in a 4-star or 5-star establishment with sizeable conference and banqueting ...

... apprenticeship, culinary school, or equivalent. Previous supervisory experience required and 5 years' experience as Chef in a 4-star or 5-star establishment with sizeable conference and banqueting ...

Cook - Part Time

Fredericksburg, VA · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

Reports to the Executive Chef any equipment and supplies that are needed * Provide a high level of ... A culinary apprenticeship or training is preferred PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The following physical ...

Cook - Full Time

Fredericksburg, VA · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

Reports to the Executive Chef any equipment and supplies that are needed * Provide a high level of ... A culinary apprenticeship or training is preferred PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The following physical ...

Cook - Staff Cafeteria

Bristol, VA · On-site

$14 - $19/hr

... the chef. * Recognizes a variety of sauces and properly places them on all entrees featured on ... A culinary apprenticeship, an Associate's Degree from a culinary institution or an equivalent with ...

... the chef. * Recognizes a variety of sauces and properly places them on all entrees featured on ... A culinary apprenticeship, an Associate's Degree from a culinary institution or an equivalent with ...

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Apprentice Chef information

See Virginia salary details

$12

$21

$36

How much do apprentice chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice chef in Virginia is $21.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $23.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Apprentice Chef job?

An Apprentice Chef is a trainee cook who learns culinary skills through hands-on experience in a professional kitchen. They assist senior chefs with food preparation, cooking, and maintaining kitchen hygiene while gaining knowledge of techniques and recipes. This role is typically part of a structured training program, such as an apprenticeship or culinary school placement. It provides foundational skills needed for a career as a professional chef.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Apprentice Chef position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apprentice Chef, you need a basic understanding of food preparation, kitchen safety, and a willingness to learn, usually supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food hygiene regulations, and, in some cases, certifications like ServSafe is beneficial. Strong communication, teamwork, and time management skills help you integrate smoothly into a fast-paced kitchen environment. These skills ensure you can contribute effectively to the culinary team while developing your technical abilities for future advancement.

What does a typical day look like for an Apprentice Chef?

As an Apprentice Chef, your day typically involves assisting senior chefs with ingredient preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, learning cooking techniques, and helping with plating and service. You may rotate between different kitchen stations and tasks, gaining hands-on experience under the guidance of mentors. The work environment is usually fast-paced and collaborative, with opportunities to ask questions and receive feedback. Over time, you’ll take on more responsibilities as you demonstrate reliability and skill, which helps pave the way for career progression in the culinary field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Chef jobs in Virginia? For Apprentice Chef jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Apprentice Chef jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Apprentice Chef jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Apprentice Chef jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Apprentice Chef job openings:
Infographic showing various Apprentice Chef job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,413 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Sous Chef

Uptown Alley_Uphoff Ventures LLC

Midlothian, VA • On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Benefits:
  • Fun and Exciting Work Environment
  • Culture & Community - engaging team events, monthly team recognition
  • 401k, Roth IRA
  • Financial Security - competitive salary, incentive bonus structure
  • Generous Paid Time Off Policies
  • Work-Life Balance - Flexible working schedule
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Health & Wellbeing - company sponsored health and vision insurance
  • Professional Development

Role Purpose:
The role of a sous chef at Uptown Alley multifaceted and pivotal to the smooth operation of the kitchen.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Strategic and Financial Management
    • Menu Costing and Pricing: Sous chefs may assist in calculating the cost of ingredients for menu items and determining appropriate menu pricing to ensure profitability while remaining competitive in the market.
    • Inventory Management: They are often involved in managing inventory levels, monitoring food costs, and minimizing waste.
    • Waste Reduction Initiatives: They may implement strategies to reduce food waste and improve efficiency in the kitchen, which can lead to cost savings and improved profitability.
  • Operational Management
    • Problem Solving and Decision Making: Sous chefs are adept at troubleshooting issues that arise in the kitchen, such as equipment malfunctions, ingredient shortages, or staffing challenges. They make quick and informed decisions to address problems and minimize disruptions to service.
    • Equipment Maintenance and Safety: They are responsible for ensuring the proper maintenance and cleanliness of kitchen equipment, such as stoves, ovens, and knives. Sous chefs enforce safety protocols to prevent accidents and injuries in the kitchen, including proper handling of hot surfaces, sharp tools, and hazardous materials.
    • Health and Sanitation Compliance: Sous chefs ensure that the kitchen complies with health and sanitation regulations by implementing cleaning schedules, conducting regular inspections, and training staff on food safety practices. They maintain cleanliness and hygiene standards to prevent contamination and ensure food safety.
    • Food Preparation and Quality Control: They oversee food preparation activities, ensuring that dishes are
      prepared according to recipes, quality standards, and health regulations. Sous chefs often lead by example,
      demonstrating proper cooking techniques and maintaining high standards of food quality.
  • Staff Management 
    • Training and Development: Investing in the training and development of kitchen staff can improve productivity, reduce errors, and enhance overall kitchen performance, contributing to long-term financial success. 
    • Performance Evaluation and Feedback: Sous chefs conduct performance evaluations for kitchen staff to assess their skills, productivity, and adherence to kitchen standards.
  • Customer Service
    • Overall, sous chefs play a crucial role in the operational management of the kitchen, overseeing all aspects of food preparation, staffing, safety, and efficiency to deliver a positive dining experience for customers.
Education & Qualifications:
  • Certifications in food safety and sanitation, such as ServSafe or Safe Food Handling. 
  • 2-5 years of experience working in professional kitchens, preferably in a leadership or supervisory role. 
  • Desirable -  Completing an apprenticeship or culinary training program.
  • Desirable - A degree or diploma in culinary arts, culinary management, or a related field.
Experience:
  • A lead chef should have a strong culinary background with experience working in professional kitchens.
  • Experience in supervising a team of cooks, sous chefs, and kitchen assistants is valuable. 
  • Experience implementing food safety protocols, conducting inspections, and training staff on hygiene standards is essential. 
  • Desirable - Previous experience in a high volume restaurant.
Skills & Competencies:
  • Advanced culinary skills, including proficiency in cooking techniques, food preparation methods, and recipe execution across various cuisines and menu styles
  • Kitchen Management- strong communication skills 
  • Menu costing and pricing 
  • Desirable - Basic financial analysis and budget management
  • Desirable - Familiarity with the latest culinary trends
  • Technological Proficiency
    • Intermediate skills with Microsoft office, basic payroll and HRIS platform understanding
Personal Qualities:
  • Self starter- driven and motivated work ethic, the ability to be resilient, the ability to be adaptable, empathy, ability the strategic thinker, collaborative, customer focused, results-driven. 
Languages:
  • English
  • Desirable - Spanish
Department: Culinary Operations
Location: On-Site
Travel Required: No
Type: Full-Time
Working Pattern: Monday-Friday, Weekends, Nights, Holidays
Reports To: General Manager/Head Chef
Collaborates With: Management team, Administrative support
Supports & Engages With: Junior Managers, FOH, BOH